Collegiate Times

It’s March and that means one thing for the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team: Time to sweat it out on the bubble.

It’s also the start of the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, N.C., where historically the Hokies haven’t fared well. In fact, they’ve never won the tourney since entering the conference in 2004 nor have they won more than one game (a far cry from their success in football where the Hokies have won four ACC Championships).

However, with Thursday’s matchup against Georgia Tech and a win a potential bout with a Florida State squad sans star player Chris Singleton, Tech could sneak in two wins and a possible berth in the NCAA Tournament — their first since 2007. Here are some of the most pressing questions heading into the tournament weekend with responses from the CT sports editor Michael Bealey and CT sports reporter Matt Jones.

With the suspension of Jarell Eddie, Tech is now down to just seven scholarship players, how damaging is this to the Hokies' chances in Greensboro?

Michael Bealey, CT sports editor: It’s certainly not going to help, although Eddie wasn’t a critical piece to Tech’s rotation. Still, with an already depleted bench the Hokies certainly can’t afford foul trouble from either Jeff Allen or Victor Davila. Additionally, Prince Parker the only other post presence for Tech, fractured his foot so he won’t be available for the tournament. Manny Atkins, a six-foot-seven-inch forward, will essentially serve as the only backup post player, and he’s really more outside shooter than inside presence.

Matt Jones, CT sports reporter: Honestly, not that much. Eddie was not that consistent off the bench, and I don’t imagine Greenberg is that confident going to his bench anyway in such big games. We’ve seen already this year numerous examples of starters playing as much as 195 of the 200 available minutes. I don’t think it’s realistic to think Eddie was going to come in and drastically affect any game in the ACC Tournament.

What team would you label as a “sleeper” that could make a surprise run in the tournament?

Bealey: NC State is one team that pops into mind, although the Wolfpack lost two straight coming into Greensboro, this is one of the most talented teams in the conference on paper. Head coach Sidney Lowe is likely gone this season, especially with the high expectations in Raleigh, but I see Tracy Smith and C.J. Leslie being a potential matchup problem for teams. Despite the coaching turnover, I think NC State could get hot and this is certainly the opportune time to do just that.

Jones: Boston College. The Eagles are likely already in the NCAA Tournament, but a few wins in Greensboro will solidify their chances. I look at their likely opponents, and if they get past Wake Forest and then Clemson, they will face a North Carolina team they almost took down on Feb. 29 in Chapel Hill. We saw what the Eagles can do against the Hokies this season, winning both matchups, and I believe we will see similar efforts in the ACC Tournament.

What player do you see as a potential tournament star by Sunday?

Bealey: It’s too bad Kyrie Irving got hurt because he would be the obvious choice here. Nonetheless, since starting the season slow Harrison Barnes has really picked it up for North Carolina. He was the No. 1 recruit coming out of high school according to ESPN (Irving was No. 1 according to Rivals) and over the last two months he’s started to live up to that hype. His three-point dagger against Florida State showed he can step up in the big moment and I think with Tyler Zeller commanding attention in the middle that will leave Barnes room to operate.

Jones: While many of the stars in the ACC are already well-known, a player that could burst onto the scene is North Carolina point guard Kendall Marshall. His passing ability and knack for breaking down defenses is so advanced for a freshman, you can’t help but marvel at his play. Roy Williams and the Tar Heels have a good shot to make the finals, and Marshall will be a big reason why.

Continue Reading: 12 Next » 

A version of this article appeared in the Mar 10 issue of the Collegiate Times.